Hypochondria

Definition

Hypochondria is a health anxiety disorder. It is often chronic. A person with hypochondria is often very anxious about their health. A hypochondriac fears that a real or imagined minor physical symptom is a sign of serious illness. Even when several doctors assure them otherwise, a hypochondriac is convinced that they have a serious disease. Psychiatric counseling and medications can relieve some, if not all, of the
anxiety
and suffering. Left untreated, hypochondria can be debilitating and affect daily function.

Causes

It is often difficult to identify a specific cause for hypochondria.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your risk for getting hypochondria include:

Family history of hypochondria

Having a serious childhood illness

Psychiatric disorders such as
depression
,
anxiety, or personality disorder

Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse in childhood

Observing violence in childhood

Stressful experience with your own or a loved one's illness

History of personal traumatic experience

Brain—Psychological Organ

Chemical imbalances and traumatic life experiences may contribute to the development of hypochondria.

Repeatedly research information about specific illnesses and their symptom

Change healthcare providers frequently

Try multiple herbal remedies or other alternative treatments

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. If the exam shows no disease, your doctor may begin to suspect hypochondria. If further testing also fails to uncover a known medical condition, your doctor may diagnosis you with hypochondria if:

Your fear of illness lasts for at least six months and does not improve with reassurance and negative testing

No other psychological disorder is causing your fear

Treatment

Physician Relationship and Monitoring

Effective treatment involves consistent, supportive care from one doctor, often along with a mental health professional. Finding a healthcare provider who is willing to listen to your concerns, provide support, and avoid needless testing is key to recovery.

You may feel overwhelmed by your symptoms. They may even seem to control your life. Schedule frequent visits, regardless of symptoms, with one doctor you can trust. Expect your doctor to:

Validate your distress

Be supportive

Direct your attention away from symptoms and focus it on functioning in daily life

Discourage a sense of dependency and disability

Recommend psychiatric counseling and educational therapy

Psychological Counseling

Psychotherapy such as
cognitive behavior therapy
and behavioral stress management can be effective in treating hypochondria. This involves regular counseling with a psychotherapist to recognize false beliefs, understand anxiety, and stop anxious behaviors.

Medications

Antidepressant medications (such as
serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants) may help relieve the symptoms of hypochondria, but there is limited evidence.

Prevention

There are no guidelines to prevent hypochondria because the cause is not known.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Antidepressant use in children, adolescents, and adults. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at:
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/UCM096273.
Updated August 12, 2010. Accessed November 11, 2014.

Psychotherapies for hypochondriasis. The Cochrane Collaboration website. Available at:
http://summaries.cochrane.org/CD006520/psychotherapies-for-hypochondriasis.
Published July 8, 2009. Accessed November 11, 2014.